From Benjamin Franklin to Deborah Franklin, 23 May 1767

To Deborah Franklin

ALS: American Philosophical Society

London, May 23. 1767

My dear Child

I wrote to you a few days ago by Mr. Odell a young Clergyman, appointed to the Mission of Burlington, who goes by way of New York; and I purpose writing again per Capt. Egdon, who sails in a few days.6

As the Packet was late coming hither, I was told by the Secretary of the Post Office that she would not be dispatch’d till the second Saturday of June: But I have just now heard that that Resolution is alter’d, and that the Mail will be dispatch’d to night. So I just write these Lines to let you know I am well.

Acquaint my Friends that they will hear from me per Egdon— My Respects to them.

My Love to Sally: In answer to what was written to me by you, and by her, and Mr. Bache, I wrote particularly to every one by Mr. Odell, that I left the Matter to you and her Brother, for at this Distance I could neither make any Enquiries into his Character and Circumstances, nor form any Judgment, And as I was in doubt whether I should be able to return this Summer, I would not occasion a Delay of her Happiness if you thought the Match a proper one.7

Mrs. Stevenson and our Polly send their Love to you and Sally. As does Mr. and Mrs. Strahan. Mr. and Mrs. West8 are well and desired me to remember them to you. Sally Franklin presents her Duty. Remember me kindly to Nanny.9 Mrs. Stevenson desires the same, and says she is providing the Things Nanny wrote for, which will be sent by Egdon. I sent Sally in a Box per Mr. Odell two Summer Hats. I am, my dear Debby, Your ever loving Husband

B Franklin

My Respects to Mr. Foxcroft and acquaint him that I receiv’d the Bill of £50 and shall write him per next Ship.1

[Note numbering follows the Franklin Papers source.]

6. Neither BF’s letter sent by Odell nor that by Egdon has been found. On Odell, see above, XIII, 508 n.

7. For one letter from DF discussing Sally’s love affair with Richard Bache, see above, pp. 136–7. The letters from the young people, mentioned here, have not been found, nor have BF’s replies to them, sent by Odell.

9. Ann Hardy, the former servant of Mrs. Stevenson, who had gone to Philadelphia in 1763 and lived at the Franklin house; above, X, 334 n.

1. On May 22, 1767, BF recorded in his accounts his indebtedness to John Foxcroft for a bill of exchange for £50. Journal, 1764–1776, p. 12; Ledger, 1764–1776, pp. 2, 20, 27. Curiously, no letters in either direction between BF and Foxcroft from the years before 1769 have been found.

More between these correspondents

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